Handpicked Guatemala

On arrival transfer to your hotel for the night.

Today you will visit the archaeological site of La Democracia. The site is known for the crude Olmec-influenced carved stone heads from the Monte Alto culture that are on display around the town Square. Visit Las Ilusiones Museum on the southern Pacific coastal plain and travel by to road to Chichicastenango, a magical town of cobble stone streets and red tile roofs that make it appear isolated from the rest of the country. (B)

Visit the famous and colourful open-air Mayan market at Chichicastenango, which has been a trading centre since pre-Hispanic times. The markets draw not only the K’iche Maya of the surrounding region but vendors from all over Guatemala, representing many of the country’s indigenous groups. You will also visit the 400 year old Church of Santo Tomas, a glorious white-wash edifice which reflects the towns mix of Catholic and indigenous Mayan beliefs. Travel to Quetzaltenango. (B)

While in Quetzaltenango see the market of San Francisco El Alto and the Almolonga Valley. Travel to beautiful Lake Atitlan, famous for its natural beauty and colourful Mayan villages. (B)

This morning enjoy an excursion on Lake Atitlan where you will have the chance to visit some Mayan villages. Transfer to Antigua and your hotel, Casa Santo Domingo, formerly one of the grandest monasteries in the Americas. Antigua sits between three volcanoes and its streetscapes are full of pastel facades and crumbling ruins covered in bougainvillea. (B)

Enjoy a morning visit of Antigua, the old capital and one of the world’s best conserved colonial cities in Guatemala. This afternoon, return Guatemala City for the night. (B)

Your journey ends with a transfer to the airport. (B)